Many of our guests come simply to unwind, spending their days soaking up the tranquility of our beautiful surroundings and lounging by the pool. For those seeking outdoor adventures, there is easy access to rivers and lakes for paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as numerous cycling routes and sentiers de randonnée (hiking trails). Bicycles and kayaks are available for guests to use. If you prefer to explore by car, you’ll find yourself close to ancient castles, breathtaking gardens, stunning beaches, and historic landmarks. Picturesque villages throughout Normandy, Brittany, and Pays de la Loire are waiting to be discovered.Mont Saint-Michel and the vibrant city of Rennes are just an hour away, while a direct train from Laval can whisk you to Paris in just over an hour. For a truly memorable experience, why not take a trip to Cancale? Take a fresh baguette and a bottle of wine to enjoy alongside the local specialty—freshly caught oysters—right by the sea. After a day of exploration, return home for an al fresco meal in the outdoor kitchen, equipped with a charcoal barbecue, gas griddle, and pizza oven. As night falls, the lack of light pollution reveals an astonishing canopy of stars. Time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the universe
Some places to visit
Mont St Michel
A tidal island which since 966 has been home to a monastery. There are about 50 shops, restaurants and hotels on Mont-Saint-Michel, catering to its millions of yearly visitors (It’s the most visited site in France outside of Paris!). Interestingly, however, there are so few actual residents that, excluding hotel patrons, only around 25 people sleep there on any given night!
The island has the highest tides in Europe. All this makes a truly memorable day out and just over an hours drive from saint Denis de Gastines.
CASTLES
Fougères castle (30 minutes)
The castle of Fougères is one of the most imposing French castles. It occupies an area of two hectares and is a medieval complex dating from the 12th to the 15th century. About 30 minutes drive.
Fougeres is a lovely town to wander around at any time, with an excellent street market on a Saturday morning.
Laval Castle (30 minutes)
The castle houses the Museum of Naïve Art and Singular Arts. A fascinating exhibition of artist without formal training. Entry is free and it is great fun. It takes about 30 minutes to go around.
It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The site is closed on public holidays.
Laval has a street market on Tuesday and Saturday.
Vitré Castle (40 minutes)
Vitré is a wonderful Gothic town well worth a visit! Its streets are packed with history and home to some great shops and restaurants.
The castle is well maintained and situated in the town centre.
Amusement Parks
Festyland
Route de Caumont
14760 BRETTEVILLE-SUR-ODON
About 1 hour 44 minutes
Gardens
Les Jardins des Renaudies
Les Mezerais, 53120 Colombiers-du-Plessis
TEL :02 43 08 02 08
About 10 minutes drive
Beaches
We are a short drive to the coast on mostly quiet roads. The beaches you will discover are large, sandy and beautiful. There are many to choose from but here are a couple of our favourites:
Jullouville (1 hr 20 mins) This beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for the 10th consecutive time. You will discover mile after mile of sand here with a shoreline that is softly shelving for safe swimming. A vast spacious area. https://www.jullouville.com/environnement/plage.html
Plage du Verger (I hr 40 mins) This beach has two halves. On the West side, it is sandy and ideal for bathing and relaxing. Many family groups gere plus a café adjacent to the car park. This can get busy so go early! If you walk East along the beach past the dividing rocks, and you wont do it by accident, you will come to the naturist beach. Again a beautiful beach.
https://www.tourismebretagne.com/offres/plage-du-verger-cancale-fr-2012808/
This area is close to the village of Cancale, where oysters are farmed and sold by the fishermen on the beach. Take a baguette and a bottle of chilled wine and it’s pure bliss to sit on the sea wall and enjoy a dozen oysters at prices that will make you smile. Strongly recommended. https://heartland-europe.com/2014/08/09/oysters-in-cancale/
Grande Plage du Sillon (1 hr 30 mins) is the beach in the old town of St Malo. It’s a vibrant busy beach but it’s huge so there is plenty of space. There is lovely swimming and bathing here. There are numerous other beaches close to St Malo.
https://www.tourismebretagne.com/offres/plage-du-sillon-saint-malo-fr-2012803/
Lac de Sille 72140 Sillé (1 hour) This is an inland lake beach with sand and set up for adventure. Sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking plus climbing and walking, cycling. SO much to do in a beautiful location. It can get busy!
https://www.sille-le-guillaume.fr/listes/base-de-loisirs-de-sille-plage/
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